Many sights in Japan awe and inspire tourists. Here are some of Japan’s most beautiful spots that you must see to believe. They offer everything from antique castles to gorgeous flower displays to bizarre landscapes that seem to be from another country. There are numerous excellent hotels around the country, or you might save money by staying at a hostel.
Mount Koya
Kobo Daishi, one of Japan’s most influential religious luminaries, founded Shingon Buddhism on Mount Koya more than 1,200 years ago. Kongobu-ji, the sect’s chief temple, is atop Mount Koya, surrounded by trees and a forest. More than 100 temples have been erected around Mount Koya, and several allow visitors to remain overnight.
Noto Peninsula
It is located in Ishikawa Prefecture’s northern area. It is an unspoiled land with some of Japan’s most gorgeous seaside scenery. The peninsula is not only a great area to gaze at nature but also includes numerous spots to fish, swim, and camp. Wajima City, its primary tourist destination, has fewer than 30,000 people and is an excellent site to learn about living in a tiny Japanese town.
Shikoku Island
Shikoku is Japan’s fourth biggest island. It is located southwest of Honshu, the main island, and is connected to it through two bridge systems. This island is also linked to the great monk Kobo Daishi since it is home to the 88 Temple Path, one of the most significant pilgrimages in Japan. The island is famous for spiritual seekers but also features gorgeous beaches, mountains, and fast-flowing rivers.
The Kiso Valley
The Kiso Valley is traversed via the Nakasendo path. During the Edo era, it was one of only five routes that connected Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto. People used to walk this considerable distance back then. Consequently, the Kiso Valley is dotted with historic post towns where travelers can eat, sleep, and relax. You may stroll a section of this historic highway, which runs among mountains and through dense woods, and visit some well-preserved communities.
Shodoshima
Shodoshima has a Mediterranean-like climate and atmosphere. There are beaches, cliffs, resorts, and olive orchards here. The island is the second largest in the Seto Inland Sea. It is one of the locations for the Setouchi Triennale contemporary art event, and outdoor works from previous festivals may be seen all across the island.
Kenrokuen Garden
It is one of the three most magnificent landscape gardens in Japan. It contains lovely bridges, pathways, teahouses, trees, and flowers. Kenrokuen was previously Kanazawa Castle’s outside garden. The garden’s splendor varies with the seasons, from the plum and cherry trees in the spring to the vibrant maple leaves in the autumn.
Nachi Falls
Nachi Falls is the country’s highest waterfall, with a single plunge of 133 meters (436 feet) into a fast-flowing river below. Nachi Taisha, a lovely Shinto shrine that is claimed to be over 1,400 years old, stands out over the waterfall. The temple was established to honor the kami of the waterfall. It’s among the many Buddhist and Shinto shrines surrounding the waterfall.
Alpine Route Tateyama Kurobe
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route connects Toyama City in Toyama Prefecture to Omachi Town in Nagano Prefecture. The route is accessible via ropeway, cable car, or trolley bus, all providing breathtaking views of the Tateyama Mountain Range. The stretch of road between Bijodaira to Murodo is the most scenic. Every year from April to May, 20-meter-high snow barriers flank both ends of the road.
The Blue Pond
The magnificent blue color of Hokkaido Prefecture’s Blue Pond, also known as Aoiike, is widely recognized. Tree trunks protruding from the water’s surface give it an odd appearance. This artificial pond was constructed to prevent erosion and safeguard the area from mudflows caused by the adjacent Mt. Tokachi volcano. Minerals in the water cause the unusual blue color of the pond.
The Hitachi Seaside Park
Hitachi Seaside Park is well-known for its nemophila fields, fields of baby-blue flowers that bloom across the park in the spring. The park spans 190 hectares (470 acres), with approximately 4.5 million blossoms covering its fields in April. In the autumn, the kochia round bushes in the park develop a magnificent scarlet color that is nearly as lovely.
Gokayama
Both Gokayama and the surrounding town of Shirakawa-go are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Both locations are well-known for their classic gassho-zukuri farmhouses. The thatched roofs of these hundreds-year-old buildings were built to endure severe snowfall. Because Gokayama is more difficult to reach than Shirakawa-g, its communities are calmer and less populated.
Tottori Sand Dunes
Tottori Sand Dunes comprise the Sanin Kaigan National Park in Tottori Prefecture. The dunes are the largest in the country. Due to tides and wind, the dunes’ form fluctuates all the time, but they may be up to 2 km broad and 50 m tall. Several camel rides give the region an appealing, desert-like vibe.
Sagano Bamboo Forest
The Sagano Bamboo Forest is in Arashiyama, on Kyoto’s western outskirts. Paths weave through towering bamboo groves, where the light filters through the green stalks to create an ethereal image. The bamboo forest is famous for its beauty and noises as the wind blows across the stalks.
Nishinomaru Gardens
Nishinomaru Garden is a lovely grass with spectacular views of Osaka Castle’s tower and stone moat wall. There are over 95 different types of apricot blooms in the garden and over 600 cherry trees. In the spring, it’s a popular spot to watch cherry blossoms, and the lights are switched on at night when they are in full bloom.
